More than half of Toronto residents live in “Food Deserts,” neighbourhoods that do not have access to good quality and affordable food.
On World Food Day, October 16, 2012, Toronto’s community leaders are coming together at the newly opened Daniels Spectrum to celebrate a cross sector approach to achieving a sustainable local food system with good food for all.
My social change film series, Films that Move and Food Forward have partnered with the Centre for Social Innovation to raise awareness and action on the challenges with hunger and the way we grow, buy and learn about the food we eat.
“Many people think of hunger as a problem exclusive to other countries, but as we know, it’s everywhere. Right here in Toronto, last year alone, there were a million visits to food banks,” says UN World Food Programme National Ambassador Against Hunger George Stroumboulopoulos. “World Food Day helps us recognize the great work currently being done in schools, businesses and communities. It also reminds us that we have a long way to go, and need an integrated approach both locally and globally to address this widespread challenge.”
World Food Day Toronto is a free event open to the public.
World Food Day
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 5:30-9pm. Doors open at 5:15
Daniels Spectrum, A Cultural Hub in Regent Park
585 Dundas Street East at Parliament. Map and Directions.
Twitter Hashtag #WFD2012 #FoodTO
5:15pm Doors Open
5:30pm Reception: Featuring food from Chef Michael Stadtlander, Paintbox and
Regent Park Community Health Centre Kitchen
6:00pm Welcome and Introductions
Opening remarks by Chef Michael Stadtlander
6:30pm Speakers
Yung Chang, The Fruit Hunters Documentary
Mark Cutrara, Cowbell
Suresh Doss, Food Truck Eats
Bryan Gilvesy, Y U Ranch/Sustain Ontario
Seana Irvine, Evergreen
Tzazna Miranda Leal, Justicia for Migrant Workers
Laura Reinsborough, Not Far From the Tree
David Reycraft, Regent Park Food Partnership/Dixon Hall
Nick Saul, The Stop
Erin Shapero, Local Food Plus
7:20pm Break
7:45pm 30-minute workshops
Topics: Community Food Projects, Food Business,
Food Centres, Street Food and Labour Rights
8:45pm Announcements and Close